The conclusion of an era: This unforgettable Duke squad bids farewell after a season of grit, glory, and brotherhood — a legacy that will continue to resonate in the halls of Cameron Indoor for eternity

The End of an Era: Duke’s Unforgettable Brotherhood Bids Farewell with Grit, Glory, and an Eternal Legacy

The final buzzer echoed through Cameron Indoor Stadium, not just signaling the end of a game, but the closing chapter of a remarkable journey. As players embraced, fans stood in thunderous ovation, and tears welled in the eyes of seniors and freshmen alike, it was evident — this was no ordinary season, and this was no ordinary team.

The 2024–2025 Duke Blue Devils men’s basketball team didn’t just play basketball; they lived it, breathed it, and bonded over it in a way that transcended box scores. With grit etched into every play and brotherhood stitched into every jersey, this Duke squad leaves behind a legacy that will echo through the hallowed halls of Cameron Indoor for years — if not forever.

A Team Forged in Fire

From the outset of the season, this team faced sky-high expectations — as is tradition in Durham. Yet the path wasn’t smooth. Early injuries, a few key losses, and the weight of national scrutiny tested the team’s resolve. But it was in those trials that the team forged its identity.

Led by a seasoned group of upperclassmen and electrified by an emerging crop of talented underclassmen, the Blue Devils leaned into their mantra: unity over ego. It wasn’t about who scored the most or who made the highlight reel. It was about defense, sacrifice, and a relentless pursuit of the play that would elevate the team — not the individual.

In countless games, Duke overcame deficits that would have demoralized lesser teams. From buzzer-beaters on the road to double-overtime slugfests against bitter rivals, this squad fought like brothers in arms. They weren’t perfect, but they were persistent. And in that persistence, they found their power.

Coach Scheyer’s Blueprint Comes to Life

In his third year at the helm, Head Coach Jon Scheyer stepped out of Coach K’s towering shadow to establish a legacy of his own. This season, more than ever, his vision came to fruition. The players bought in — not just to the playbook, but to the program’s values.

Scheyer emphasized versatility, toughness, and cohesion. He demanded effort on every possession and celebrated the “little things” — the dive for a loose ball, the help-side rotation, the bench reaction to a teammate’s dunk.

“Legacy isn’t just what you win,” Scheyer said during Senior Night. “It’s how you play, how you lead, and how you treat each other. This team has left a mark deeper than banners.”

Under his leadership, the Blue Devils returned to form as one of the nation’s premier programs, blending Duke’s historic excellence with a fresh, modern edge.

Brotherhood in Action

Brotherhood is a word that gets tossed around in sports, but at Duke, it’s more than a slogan. This year’s squad embodied it in every sense.

Senior guard Jeremy Roach, the lone holdover from the Coach K era, was the emotional heartbeat of the team. His leadership — both on and off the floor — kept the team grounded through the season’s highs and lows. Whether calming younger players in tight games or knocking down critical threes in March, Roach was the quintessential Blue Devil leader.

Then there was sophomore phenom Caleb Foster, who stepped into a starring role with poise beyond his years. His development into a two-way force became one of the season’s defining arcs, and his chemistry with Roach gave Duke one of the most dynamic backcourts in the country.

Up front, Ryan Young provided veteran muscle and leadership, while star freshman Isaiah Evans dazzled with highlight-reel athleticism and the type of shot-making that made NBA scouts drool. But despite his top-prospect status, Evans was the first to celebrate his teammates and the last to make it about himself.

From the stars to the walk-ons, every member of the roster contributed to a culture of mutual respect, sacrifice, and trust.

Cameron’s Curtain Call

The final home game of the season was nothing short of a spectacle — not because of the opponent or the stakes in the standings, but because it marked the end of an era. As the seniors took their final steps on Coach K Court, the crowd stood in unison, many with hands over their hearts or tears in their eyes.

“I grew up dreaming of playing here,” said forward Mark Mitchell. “To leave knowing we gave it everything — that means more than any stat or award.”

The Crazies were in full voice, and as the lights dimmed postgame for the tribute videos and speeches, one thing became clear: This team had touched something deeper than sport. It had stirred a community, revived a tradition, and reminded everyone why Duke basketball means so much.

March Madness and Moments of Magic

The Blue Devils entered the NCAA Tournament not just as contenders, but as believers. The nation watched as they battled their way to the Elite Eight, fueled by comeback victories, stout defense, and timely shooting. Though their run ended shy of the Final Four, the team’s performance only solidified its status as a beloved group in the program’s lore.

In one iconic moment, Foster nailed a game-winning three in the Sweet 16 — a shot that would’ve made Christian Laettner proud. In another, Roach dove headlong into the scorer’s table to save a possession, the type of play that personified the team’s DNA.

Even in defeat, the Blue Devils stood together, heads held high. The postgame hugs, handshakes, and tears showed a group not just disappointed, but deeply bonded — knowing their ride together had reached its end.

A Legacy Etched in Blue

Years from now, fans will recall the scores and stats, but what will resonate most is the soul of this team. They brought joy back to Durham. They defended their legacy. And they passed the torch with honor.

For the younger players, the standard has been set. For Coach Scheyer, the blueprint is validated. And for the seniors, the dream — once just a hoop in a driveway or a highlight on YouTube — came true in front of 9,300 fans chanting their names.

As the banners continue to sway and the echoes of “Let’s Go Duke” fade into another offseason, one truth remains: this Duke team mattered.

It mattered because it reminded us what college basketball can be at its best — a beautiful collision of talent, loyalty, effort, and heart.

The 2024–2025 Blue Devils may have left the court, but their story lives on. In the rafters. In the student sections. In the hearts of fans. And most of all, in the brotherhood they built — one that will never truly say goodbye.

Duke basketball has considerable worry about the increasing NBA Draft status of elite wing

The Blue Devils could be approaching the danger zone with their high-profile move.

Duke basketball’s sole notable transfer this offseason is Washington State guard Cedric Coward. Despite his lack of experience playing against great competition at the Division I level, he has become one of the fastest emerging prospects of the spring.

Coward chose the Blue Devils over Alabama, but there was always one proviso to his chances of playing collegiate basketball next season: he would enter the NBA Draft process.

While some anticipated the 6-foot-6 guard to be selected in the second round and play for the Blue Devils, he is suddenly moving up draft boards only days before the NBA Draft Combine begins.

NBA expert Zach Lowe discussed Coward’s draft prospects on his podcast, The Zach Lowe Show, stating, “They’re all going to be mad that I say the name because they all think they’re the only ones on it, but they’re not.”

“If these scouts are on him like this…” Based on my interactions, I believe he will be taken higher than [No. 29 overall].

Zach Lowe on Cedric Coward

(Via @ZachLowe_NBA’s podcast The Zach Lowe Show) pic.twitter.com/IjrQs9mmLm

— Duke Update (@UpdateDuke) May 9, 2025

Coward played just six games for Washington State last season due to injury, but he began his career at Division III Willamette before transferring to Eastern Washington for two years. He is presently anticipated to be one of Duke’s starting five next season, but the opportunity to play in the NBA may be too tempting.

“The conversations shrunk to a whisper,” Lowe said of his meetings with the league’s front office officials. “They were afraid someone, maybe Zach’s on an Amtrak train and there’s an NBA scout on the Amtrak train that’s going to overhear this conversation.”

Duke has six players invited to the NBA Draft Combine, including freshman wing Isaiah Evans. Evans has proclaimed his decision to return to the Blue Devils but will still audition for clubs.

Cooper Flagg, Kon Knueppel, Khaman Maluach, Tyrese Proctor, and Sion James also received invitations.

The NBA Combine results, as well as Coward and Evans’ individual workouts with clubs, will have the most influence on the Duke basketball summer, determining how Jon Scheyer and his coaching staff should proceed if either, or both, of the players choose to stay in the draft.

Ex-Duke Basketball Signee Suffers Significant Ranking Decline

Since withdrawing from the Duke basketball program a few weeks ago, Shelton Henderson has experienced a decline in his reputation.

In early November, Bellaire High School (Texas) forward Shelton Henderson declared his dedication to Duke basketball head coach Jon Scheyer and the Blue Devils. According to 247Sports, the 6-foot-6, 220-pound senior was ranked as the 15th-best prospect in the 2025 class among his peers. In February, he advanced one position to No. 14.

However, Henderson withdrew his commitment to the Blue Devils in mid-April. A few days later, he made a commitment to the Miami Hurricanes, joining the program’s new head coach, Jai Lucas, who departed from the Duke basketball bench at the conclusion of the regular season after serving as one of Scheyer’s top assistants in Durham for three years.

Henderson is no longer considered a five-star prospect by the staff at 247Sports. This week, the site’s final 2025 rankings update has lowered him by 11 spots to No. 25 overall in the cycle. That represents the most significant decline of any player who was in the top 30 before the update.

15 five-star recruits in the FINAL 2025 Top247 Rankings. 🚨

MORE: https://t.co/NRVR2ezlqy pic.twitter.com/AAoeSM3IDX

— 247Sports (@247Sports) May 7, 2025

The cycle currently ranks all three of Duke’s remaining 2025 signees above Shelton Henderson: five-star forward Cameron Boozer, five-star forward Nikolas Khamenia, and four-star guard Cayden Boozer.

The 2025 Blue Devil collection is ranked No. 1 in the ACC and No. 3 in the nation.

MATT GILES

The editor and publisher of Duke Blue Devils on SI, North Carolina Tar Heels on SI, and NC State Wolfpack on SI, Matt Giles, is a critical source for comprehensive coverage of these renowned college basketball programs. Matt has been committed to delivering exclusive content, breaking news, and in-depth analysis on all three teams since joining SI in 2022. He addresses a wide range of topics, including recruiting updates, player profiles, and game previews and summaries. Matt’s work has become a go-to resource for admirers and followers of Duke, NC State, and UNC due to his expert knowledge of these teams. He is responsible for structuring the editorial direction to guarantee that his audience receives the most pertinent and punctual information in his capacity as publisher.